Get your seatbelts on and prepare yourself for the hilarious, shocking, tell-all tale of Willy de Wit – one of Aotearoa’s best-known comedians. From running riot in sell-out stand-up shows all over New Zealand with Funny Business, and starring in the multi-series eponymously named TV show, to his long tenure as one of the original Radio Hauraki ‘Morning Pirates’ presenters, Willy’s life was one fun ride… until it really really wasn’t.

Drink Smoke Snort Stroke begins with a meth-induced home invasion with guns to the head. Through the book Willy opens up, with nary a hint of pity, about his alcoholism, long standing bouts of depression, and chronic drug addiction which culminated in a major stroke that very nearly killed him.

Revealing the salacious antics of the rich and famous, Drink Smoke Snort Stroke is a wild romp through the heady 80s and 90s, where excess was order of the day. For those growing up over this time, the memoir, with its clearly depicted clubs, pubs, celebrities and wannabees, will be a fun nostalgia trip. Written with high-profile entertainer and author David Downs, Drink Smoke Snort Stroke will be a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.

Willy de Wit

Born William McGechie, Willy left school with a penchant for music and ballet but found his niche in comedy (and a new name). Pioneering NZ’s stand-up comedy scene in the 1980s, Willy moved into TV, working with giants like Billy T James, and McPhail & Gadbsy. He was part of the iconic and hugely successful TV group Funny Business, which led de Wit into a career in radio.  Willy spent 11 years as the morning host of Radio Hauraki, and was also part of the kiwi supergroup The Wide Lapels. Tragically, in 2016 Willy suffered a life-threatening stroke which impacts him to this day.

David Downs has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is now CEO of The New Zealand Story. He also acts as a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of the books No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer, and Silver Linings. David founded SOS Business, a hugely successful not-for-profit initiative to help cafes and other small businesses during COVID-19. 

David and Willy both live in Devonport, Auckland – but not together. That would be weird.

Drink Smoke Snort Stroke by Willy de Wit with David Downs | Bakita Books | published 10 October | $37.95

For interview, extract and promotional giveaway enquiries or for more information please contact: Penny Hartill – director hPR, 021 721 424, penny@hartillpr.co.nz